Six groups that work with young Somalis in Minnesota have been awarded $300,000 in grants to help combat terrorism recruitment. Here is a list of the one-year grant recipients announced Thursday:
– Confederation of Somali Community in Minnesota received $100,000 to enhance employment and educational opportunities for young Somalis. The program partners with a local mosque, the city and public school systems.
– Somali American Parent Association received $85,000 to partner with the youth group Ka Joog to implement a program that will engage young people, parents and families.
– Shanta Link received $35,000 to partner with African Immigration Community Services to address the stigma of mental illness among refugees.
– Ummah Project and its partner received $30,000 to train Somali-Americans ages 18 to 25 to work as mediators and restorative justice facilitators.
– Africa Reconciliation and Development Organization Inc. received $25,000 to prevent conflict in African diasporas. Funding will be directed to reconciliation programs, soccer and Somali arts classes for male students, ages 13 to 18.
– West Bank Athletic Club received $25,000 to conduct youth sports activities and hold communication sessions with parents.